Go Up for Glory

By: Bill Russell, William Mcsweeny

Narrated by: JD Jackson

Back in print for the first time in decades, Go Up for Glory is the classic 1968 basketball memoir by NBA legend Bill Russell, with a new foreword from the author.

From NBA legend Bill Russell, Go Up for Glory is a basketball memoir that transcends time. First published in 1965, this narrative traces Russell's childhood in segregated America and details the challenges he faced as a Black man, even when he was a celebrated NBA star. And while some progress has been made, this book serves as an urgent reminder of how far we still have to go in the fight for human rights and equality.

Critic reviews

Praise for Go Up for Glory:
"A half-century after its first publication, Glory remains one of the best books of its ilk, an enthralling snapshot of its era that serves as a reminder of not only how much basketball has changed, but also how much the rest of the world hasn't. Russell was unflinching in his description of the racism he encountered growing up in Louisiana and Oakland...Still, [he] found a measure of hope."—Sports Illustrated

This Was a very brave Man

I appreciated his honesty about the racism he encountered and his efforts to stand for equality and justice. As a black woman who lived through Jim Crow I could relate to his experiences. I wish things had been different.

Timeless lessons

Story and perspective is as important in 2024 as it was when it was written.

I’m a Man!

Most of all the inside story of man pro. Amen to that! Blessings to Bill, you are a great man.

He's more than a basketball player

I knew about Bill Russell and saw him play in hi later years.
Because of Wilt Chamberlain, my favorite big man before Lou Alcinder,
I didn't really focus on Russell.
This book is fabulous. I now know how valuable he was coming into the league. I now know how valuable he was/is to civil rights and the uplifting of black people in America. He is A Man!

Wow

I really learned a lot about his life and the times in which he lived. Awesome work